Emotional Journey: Farooq Abdullah’s Long-Awaited Train Ride on the Srinagar-Katra Vande Bharat

The president of Jammu and Kashmir’s National Conference, Farooq Abdullah, expressed deep emotion recently when he arrived via the new Srinagar-Katra Vande Bharat train. He described the moment as the fulfillment of a long-held dream to see Kashmir connected to the rest of India by rail.

“I can’t fully describe the joy I feel today,” he said, tears in his eyes. Abdullah arrived at Katra with his grandsons, excited for a pilgrimage to the Vaishnodevi shrine in the Trikuta Hills. He believes this rail link will usher in a new era of travel, enabling more pilgrims to visit both the Vaishnodevi and Amarnath shrines.

Abdullah noted that the train would enhance relationships between Jammu and Kashmir. "It’s not just about connectivity; it’s about friendship," he remarked. He anticipates that the ease of travel will also help locals transport their fruits and produce more efficiently across India.

Accompanying him were prominent local leaders, including J&K minister Satish Sharma. At Katra, Abdullah was welcomed by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, who highlighted the significance of the new rail service for the region’s economy and tourism.

The rail connection is seen as a vital step toward boosting tourism, particularly in light of the growing number of visitors to the scenic landscapes of Kashmir. According to a recent study by the India Tourism Statistics, international tourist arrivals in Kashmir increased by 25% last year. This enhanced access is expected to attract even more visitors.

“Many pilgrims who come to the Vaishnodevi shrine will now consider a trip to Kashmir, given the new convenience of travel,” Abdullah said. As he prepares for his evening rituals at the shrine, the excitement surrounding this new railway connection promises to change the dynamics of travel in the region.

For more on the impact of transport links on tourism, visit India Tourism.

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